$130K in scholarships awarded to Morrilton college

$130K in scholarships awarded to Morrilton college

Companies that drill in the Fayetteville Shale natural gas formation have announced a $130,000 donation for scholarships at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

MORRILTON, Ark. (AP) — Companies that drill in the Fayetteville Shale natural gas formation have announced a $130,000 donation for scholarships at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

The members of the Fayetteville Shale Scholarship Fund awarded 57 scholarships Monday to students currently enrolled in the college's petroleum technology program. The school says it's the largest scholarship donation in the program's history.

Board president Donnie Bates says graduates from the program are well-prepared as they enter the state's natural-gas industry.

The scholarship fund was established in 2006 and has provided 313 scholarships totaling $530,000. The scholarships cover tuition, fees and books. They're awarded to students based on academic performance and financial need.

The scholarship fund is supported by companies that work in the Fayetteville Shale play.